there are three routes of various difficulties on the trail map, yellow for the easiest, red for the most difficult. there are loads of climbing, and an excellent variety of singlr track, from muddy to dry hardcore, but watch out for roots and a few drop-off's which will catch out the best riders!
please take care near the end of the blue route, it goes along farmers fields and near private proprety, (no skidding please, and close all gates!). please do not use the forestry on the other side of the B4410, as this new track has been set up to prevent riders doing so. this is much more technichal and rewarding than coed-y-brenin, and if given a chance should reward most competent riders.

Turn off the A487 at the Oakely Arms(pub), on to the B4410 up a steep hill that will take you past a lake called Llyn Mair. Then a few hundred yards on a narrow road, pass under a bridge and turn right into a car park where the route around the forestry will be clearly signposted.

Summary:start from porthmadog & take the cycle path along the cob,pass the toll & take a left @ the bottom of the hill.follow quarry lane until you go under a bridge about 200yrds after take a left through the backs of penrhyndeudraeth stay on the back road & go through the ffestiniog railway station, this brings you out on the A4085.go left up the hill pass the railway crossing & on the sharp left hand bend take a right into rhiw goch,follow the tarmac road until you reach a house.it's arrowed to show you which way to go.now the real fun begins.go through the gate & start short climb to the gate that leads into coed y garnedd.take the left hand track & follow for until you reach arrows pointing ahead or right,take the right hand track for a short downhill to the fire road.climb the fire road until you reach the top then take a sharp left up an overgrown fire road.follow until it turns into single track which leads to a trig point.ride the downhill single track to where it opens up,then go left down through a muddy patch & follow track downhill,now theres a choice to go either left or straight down,which ever you choose you reach the same fire road only in different places but always turn left & follow fire road to the main road(b4410).cross road & follow designated mb routs through northen side of coed y garnedd.after reaching end of the red route follow fire road & turn right @ tarmac road follow until you reach croesor.head towards cnicht up steep rocky track to gate & style then start downhill through 4 gates to the road near cae daffydd,turn left then left again onto a4085 to penrhyndeudraeth(stopping for a pint @ the ring @ llanfrothen)then back to porthmadog.i don't know how far it is but it take about 2.5 to 3hrs.

Recommended Route:i'd recommend starting from penrhyndeudraeth,you ride on the southern side of coed y garnedd which is not meant to be ridden by us,but you can choose a route that will avoid old ladies walking their dogs(sorry but i really like this ride).i also carry on to croesor for a wicked downhill that takes you to the cae dafydd road.

Other recommended trails in the same area:coed y brennin,beddgelert forest,bontddu loop

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Review DateAugust 8, 2002

Overall Rating 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:Ridden Once

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Reviewed by: marin rider
, from Bl Ffestiniog

Summary:The yellow route is made up of existing forestry tracks with a good climb for the keep fit fanatics. The single track red route is ok but not long enough. The blue route should be taken off as a mountain bike route. I found it difficult to push the bike(waterloged, trees etc)along let alone ride it. Total length of route is approx. 5miles.

Other recommended trails in the same area:Gwydir forest, coed y brenin.......

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